Vaccine expert warns public vs. willfully getting COVID-19

A vaccine expert on Friday warned the public against deliberately getting COVID-19 to obtain natural immunity, saying there is a chance that they may get severe infection instead of moderate or mild.

Vaccine Expert Panel head Dr. Nina Gloriani issued the remark after a study abroad found indication that natural immunity may be a more potent shield than vaccines against the Delta variant.

The study also found that protection against the variant was highest among people who were both vaccinated and had survived a previous COVID infection.

“Mabuti kung ang breakthrough infection ninyo ay mild hanggang moderate siguro… magkakaroon kayo ng boosting ng immunity. Pero kung maging severe ‘yun, hindi ‘yun maganda,” Gloriani said at the Laging Handa briefing.

(It will be good if the breakthrough infection will be mild to moderate… you will get a boosted immunity. But if you get severe, that’s not good.)

To prevent this, Gloriani said authorities should explain to the public that they should not be complacent and willfully get COVID-19 infection.

“‘Wag natin pabayaan ‘yung complacency. Kasi sabi nga, bakunado naman ako. Sinabi naman natin na ang mga bakuna hindi 100% nagbibigay ng proteksyon. Ang proteksyon na ito ay mas lamang sa severe infection,” she said.

(Let’s not let them be complacent. Because the vaccine does not offer 100% protection. Protection is for severe infection.)

The Department of Health has also previously warned the public against Long COVID-19, wherein patients experience symptoms even after 30 days.

Gloriani also stressed that all vaccines are safe and effective.

“Ang mga vaccines na ito ay nakakabigay ng proteksyon sa atin. Maybe to different extent, but ang lahat ng ito ay nakaka-protect, especially against the severe form of COVID,” she said.

(The vaccines can all give protection. Maybe to a different extent, but they can all protect, especially against severe forms of COVID.) — RSJ, GMA News